We read in the Christian Science textbook: "Become conscious for a single moment that Life and intelligence are purely spiritual,—neither in nor of matter,—and the body will then utter no complaints. If suffering from a belief in sickness, you will find yourself suddenly well" (Science and Health). A healing I had stands out in my mind as adequate proof of the truth of that statement. The prayers of a Christian Science practitioner had healed a member of our family of a major illness—one doctors had said might be fatal—and I naturally wanted to learn more about Christian Science.

I had suffered for many years from seasonal allergies, which a physician told me were a reaction to certain grass pollens. He had been giving me preventive inoculations, which had not proved helpful.

One day in June, as I was talking to the practitioner on the phone, I had to excuse myself because of a violent sneezing spell. When I was finally able to return to the phone, I heard the practitioner say, "You don't need to have that, you know!" This statement was contrary to anything my doctor had said—he had declared that this fever was not curable, and could only be alleviated by taking those injections regularly. I said, "I may not need to have it, but I do, and can't seem to get rid of it!" The practitioner referred me to Hymn No. 144 in the Christian Science Hymnal. I read the first verse:

I then experienced what might be called an epiphany, which occurs when we suddenly see or understand something clearly for the first time. It was as if a spiritual idea, the truth of being, had been behind a curtain that was pulled aside for a few moments. I felt surrounded by what I can only describe as the infinite, harmonious love of God. I was healed instantaneously and have not suffered from allergies since.

What really brought about this significant healing? I'm sure that the message of the hymn was an angel thought from God, divine Mind, that came to me through our prayers. But merely reading or even memorizing those words was not enough. Both the practitioner and I had to turn wholeheartedly to God, as Jesus so frequently did. I had to become convinced of God's infinite goodness. I had to understand His love for His creation, man, and His power to heal all illness, which Christian Science proves to be false and the opposite of His true, perfect, harmonious, and entirely spiritual creation. Once I had arrived at that conviction, I was immediately healed.

Although this healing took place many years ago, I'm still seeking the line of scientific thinking that leads to the spiritual Truth that heals. In other words, I'm still making progress in understanding more clearly how to avail myself of the omnipresent power of God.

To show my gratitude for many healings in Science, and to help others, I have served my branch church in almost every capacity.

John F. Anderson
Shaker Heights, Ohio